Where to eat Korean food in Dubai

Authentic restaurants for a taste of something new

By
Celia Plender
18 February 2014

Hyu KoreanThis humble eatery may not be particularly exciting in terms of the interiors. However, it draws in a strong contingent of Korean expats to dine due to the list of thoroughly classic dishes, cooked up with much authenticity. Oud Metha Road, Oud Metha (04 334 4294).

K-Pop ChickenThe newest K-kid on the block in Dubai, this concept uses fun and young inspiration, with flashes of acid green in the interiors and dishes named after K-Pop music sensations. The fast-food spot offers a menu that spans many Korean favourites, although Korean style fried chicken is the signature here. And very good it is too. Indigo Icon, Cluster F, JLT (04 434 0096).

Pyongyang Okryu-gwanDubai’s only North Korean restaurant is as much an experience as a meal. Once you’ve been welcomed inside by hostesses in elaborate Korean traditional dress, service tends to be very friendly, if charmingly eccentric. Head here on Friday nights and you can even enjoy a cabaret show while you eat. Try the cold noodle soups – the perfect antidote to Dubai’s summer heat. Behind Dubai Islamic Bank head office, Al Maktoum Road, near the clock tower, Deira (04 298 1589).

SonamuDubai’s only truly fine dining Korean experience sits in a spectacular venue. Clichés aside, it really will cut your breath short as you wander in to this glittering golden space, with towering ceilings and impressive giant-bonsai style ornamental trees. The restaurant also houses several private dining rooms on the upper tier of the restaurant. Sonamu also takes part in the hotel’s regular all Asian-evening brunch. Asiana Hotel, Salahuddin Road, Deira (04 238 7777)

The Sky Stuffed into a corner of this down- at-heel hotel, The Sky looks like the restaurant that a modern refurb forgot. It has, however, not been forgotten by Dubai’s Korean diners, who outnumber other nationalities so utterly in the dining room, that even the specials signs on the wall are in Korean. The ambience here has the genuine ramshackled bustle of an Asian late-night watering hole. Golden Tulip Al Barsha (04 341 7750).